Stunning 1900' S Iridescent Ceramic Vase With Rolled Up Dragon, Rambervillers, Est Of France

Stunning Art Nouveau (between 1906 and 1920) iridescent ceramic vase from Rambervillers foctory -Vosges, Est of FRance, made by Alphonse CYTERE (1961-1941) ceramist from a model of sculptor Pierre Roger CLAUDIN (1877-1936)
Hollow signature on 2 lines "GRES DE A CITHER- RAMBERVILLERS" and on an oval shape mark "UNIS FRANCE"; an original but damaged red  distribution sticker, probably "UNIS FRANCE" label.

The vase is high relief decorated with a dragon wrapped all around the base and the narrowing collar. It's one of most famous models of this flamed stoneware factory, both representative taste for chinoiseries and Japonisme (late 19th century and early 20th century) and symbol of ceramists research on new enemail new technics for Art Nouveau ceramics, with metallic reflection (On same period we can also mention ceramics of Massier dynasty in Vallauris, Domenico Zumbo in Fréjus, Montières or those of Zolnay,...)

This vase "chimera" with dragon rolled up is presented on factory business catalog in 1905 and on its supplement in 1907), and again in 1920 by mentionned like 'exhausted'; it show well the real success of this piece.

"Western Art Nouveau ceramists were seduced by relief heraldic animals from Far East. In France as everywhere in Europe, these forms are used, sometimes in simple copies or by producing quality works, marked by the strong personality of the ceramist. Among the most famous in France, Théodore DECK (1823-1891), or Edmond LACHENAL (1855-1932)
In China, this chimera is very close to the dragon, its morphology has been used since antiquity. Japan then borrowed this motif and added symbolic values to its original legend. It's  symbol of sun, imperial power, Good, and primitive natural forces as well as wind and rain. Dragons are found on all kinds of Chinese or Japanese items and stuff: vases but also lacquered chests, painted scrolls, prints, screens, etc...

The monster is used on this vase as a spectacular ornament with very strong optical presence, which opposes simplicity of shape. Horse head, deer horns, devil's eyes, viper's neck, fish's body, vulture's claws and long tail are very strange and make the dragon an aesthetically stunning design.

Surrounded by clouds and flames, he climbs the long neck of the vase, twisting his body in a vigorous spiral. He clings with his claws the body of the vase, and his head, very much in relief on the smooth walls, extends well above him.

Pierre Claudin used the strength of this ornamental motif by creating a perfect harmony between the subject and the material. An infinity of delicate nuances shows the mastery of the ceramist. Flamed enamel has never lived up to its name. Shades of red and green, brilliance and golden reflections give us effects of fire and waves. The subject and the material mingle in a very successful aesthetic and narrative impulse, illustrating
well dialogue between Far Eastern ceramics and European Art Nouveau ones.
"Flame sandstone from Rambervillers, Art Nouveau in Vosges" by Francine BERTRAND, Ancient and modern art department Museum -Epinal"

This description perfectly illustrates our vase, moreover used for cover page of this very interesting book.
I've already had to sell this same piece by the past, but quality and diversity of its enamel shades certainly make it one of the most beautiful examples I have seen.

Sizes: 33,5cm high and aroundc16,5cm diameter
Perfect condition